Scunthorpe takes pride in staging one of the country's top races

ONE of the UK's premier running events is returning to Scunthorpe – and organisers are hoping for a bumper year.

The North Lincolnshire Half-Marathon is now in its third year after being re-established in 2012, and is expected to be another successful event after being rated the sixth best half-marathon in the UK by Runners World readers, ahead of flagship events such as the BUPA Great North Run.

Part of the appeal of the run is its status as the flattest half-marathon anywhere in Great Britain, with the course having a total of just 26 metres incline – ideal for those attempting to break their personal best.

Organiser Neil Pattison, who has been running since the early 1980s, said the event was still growing.

He said: "The last time Scunthorpe had a half-marathon before we got involved was in 2000, and I just thought it was about time we had one.

"In 2012 we had about 600 runners, and last year we had more than 1,000 without really promoting it too much, so we're confident we can keep building – steadily though, as we don't want to get overwhelmed."

Another attraction of the North Lincolnshire event, which will be held on Sunday, May 4, is the standard of the facilities available to participants, with car parking available at Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park and an army of volunteers helping to man the event.

Neil said: "We have five water stations, which is more than a lot of events, and we need 90 people just to staff those.

"Runners also finish in the centre circle at Glanford Park so there's a great view for the spectators in the stadium, and we have people keeping them entertained while they're waiting too.

"We also have cake at the finish, which is a big draw – everybody loves cake, particularly runners."

Such an extensive operation means that local organisations and groups are able to get involved in the event, with local St John's Ambulance, scouts and cadets just some of the groups enabling the day to run smoothly.

Each year the organisers pick a charity to support, arranging a fun run alongside the main event and donating a cut of the entrance fees.

Neil said: "This year we've decided to support When You Wish Upon A Star, which is also the mayor's charity, so we're hoping people will be keen to support in that way.

"Really, we're proud of having one of the country's best races in our area, and with so many people coming from across the country to take part, it's a great advert for Scunthorpe.

"If it continues to do well, there may even be a full marathon in the pipeline, although there's absolutely nothing confirmed on that at the moment."

The North Lincolnshire Half-Marathon will take place at 9am on Sunday, May 4, starting and finishing at Glanford Park.

4 comments

I've had a look at the link thanks Miffed. The above article states that the North Lincolnshire half marathon was voted as one of the best by readers of runners world. Your link dosent seem to be anything to do with runners world nor can I see anywhere that rates the races. From what I can see it just simply lists races.